Sweeteners May Support Health
By Tom Herrin
A lot of us are always looking out for improving health. There has been quite a bit of discussion about sweeteners. Some people feel that those that are more natural such as sugar, honey, or some of the others that have been in use lately may be best. On the other hand, there is quite a bit of support for the substitutes. The search for a good artificial sugar began a long time ago. Around 140 years ago, the first really successful one was introduced. It was saccharin, and it has been in use in some form ever since that time. As time has gone on, other products have been developed. Some of them have done a pretty good job of imitating the actual taste of sugar.
The Diabetic Element
For years, diabetics were left to struggle to do the best they could to maintain their health. Once they had a means of supplying insulin, things turned around. They still had limited options regarding their food and drinks. The introduction of sugar substitutes changed their quality of life. Because of them, they can now enjoy most of the foods and drinks that the rest of the population does. The demand for sugar substitutes is obviously pretty high as we may easily determine by seeing all of the many sugar-free drinks on the shelves. Candies and other treats seem almost as plentiful.
Losing Weight and Sweeteners
In all likelihood, artificial sweeteners were not made for the benefit of dieters. I know lots of people who rely on sugar-free foods and drinks on a daily basis. It only appears to work for those who are really committed to their program. Some studies have found that some sugar-free products may increase appetite, thus they eat more. One genuine benefit to using these sweeteners is that their teeth may be protected from decay because the bacteria that cause decay use sugar as a source of nutrition.
Sugar May Be Fine
Some people still enjoy sugar. Some drinks advertise the fact that they are made with real sugar. Most of us will have no problem with sugar if we will just limit our consumption. It is that steady snacking that most often causes problems. A little of anything is not usually the problem. A treat with sugar occasionally should be fine, but we should make a point of cleaning our teeth afterward.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Virginia Beach, Va.